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Maryland Traffic Fatalities Drop to 52-Year Low

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Traffic fatalities in Maryland have dropped to a 52-year low.

Gov. Martin O’Malley made the announcement Friday.

Preliminary figures for 2013 indicate there were 466 traffic deaths in the state. That’s the lowest since 1961 when there were 461.

There were 511 traffic deaths in 2012.

O’Malley says his administration has worked aggressively to lower traffic deaths. The Maryland General Assembly also has passed legislation in recent years aimed at stopping distracted driving.

For example, lawmakers passed a bill last year to enable police to pull over someone for talking on a handheld cellphone. Before, drivers could only be ticketed for talking on a handheld cell phone as a secondary offense.

Lawmakers also have expanded requirements for seatbelt use in all parts of a vehicle last year.